Class: Grade 8, General Science
Unit: Volcanoes
Topic: Viscosity & Volcano Types

Instructional Objectives:
  1. Explain the characteristics that differentiate between Composite, Shield, and Cinder Cone volcanoes.
  2. Identify and compare the viscosity of three liquids.
  3. Observe changs in viscosity when liquids are mixed with a solid or heated.
  4. Define viscosity and relate the viscosity of lava to the type of volcano formed.

Introduction:
Now that the class has been introduced to volcanoes and has seen their effects, we will learn about the different types of volcanoes and how each forms. I will explain to the students that by learning about viscosity, we can predict how a volcano will erupt and how it will look after the eruption.

I will say, “Today we will be discussing three different types of volcanoes. As you will be able to see from the pictures that I will show you, each type of volcano has different physical characteristics which help set them apart from each other. These different physical characteristics are formed based on how that particular volcano erupts, and what kinds of products are released from it. We will be learning that variations in viscosity are responsible for these different kinds of eruptions. By the end of today, you will each be able to define what viscosity is, you will each be given the chance to investigate the flow of liquids with different viscosities, and you will each know what types of properties can influence a liquids viscosity.”

To introduce this lesson, I will begin the class by showing students, on the projector, three different pictures of volcanoes I found online. One picture will be of a shield volcano, one will be of a cinder cone volcano, and the final picture will be of a stratovolcano. As we are looking at these photos I will ask the students how each of these volcanoes looks different from the others and why they think they possess these different characteristics. Once the students reach the idea that they are made of different materials and that they may erupt differently, we will read about volcano types from the textbook and take notes.


Activities & Assignments:

  1. 25 minutes: "Read for content" - Students take turns reading aloud Volcano Types (pages 229-231 in textbook). As the students read, they pull out the important concepts and I will write them on the overhead so the students can copy the notes into their notebooks.
  2. 40 minutes: Inquiry 20.1: Investigating Viscosity and Volcano Type from book (pg226-227). Students will collect data and write down their observations during the lab activity. Activity requires students to compare the viscosity of three different liquids and then to observe the changes of these liquid's viscosities when mixed with sand or heated up.
  3. 15 minutes: Review of what the students observed in their lab activities.
  4. 5 minutes: Clean up.
  5. 12 minutes: Answer reflection questions on page 227 in textbook.

Materials Needed:
  • Textbooks
  • overhead projector
  • Notebooks
  • hot pots
  • boil bags & ties
  • shampoo
  • Corn syrup
  • wax beads
  • sand
  • wax paper
  • glass beakers
  • tote trays
  • volcano cards
  • stopwatch
  • metric ruler
  • measuring spoon
  • coffee stirrers
  • empty cups

Resources for Lesson:

O'Donnell, C. (2000). Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools; Catastrophic Events. Burlington, North Carolina: Carolina Biological Supply Company.

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